Paramedics allowed to form their own union

Paramedics say new laws allowing them to form their own union will ensure they get the representation they need, but the Health Services Union (HSU) should not feel threatened.

After a bill that would have allowed all workers to choose their own union stalled in the Upper House, the State Government agreed to a Greens amendment that limited its scope to just junior doctors and paramedics.

That means they can now break free from the troubled HSU.

The Emergency Medical Services Protection Association has already applied to be the IRC to become a fully fledged union for paramedics.

Spokesman Wayne Flint has dismissed concerns it will water down the power of the HSU.

"If we can work with them and gee each other up, for want of a better word, for the purpose of making sure that paramedics are looked after in this country, I think competition is a good thing," he said.

The Government says it is disappointed the bill's scope was limited, but pleased with the result for junior doctors and paramedics.